Vehicle: 2007 Honda Stream RSZ
Price as tested: HK$219880

Performance: Given the Stream is based on Civic underpinnings, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it also powered like one. Our uplevel trim level, is powered by the same engine as the one in Acura CSX. That powerhouse is Honda’s proven 2.0 i-VTEC SOHC 16-valver. In Stream’s case, it has 150hp and 148 lb/ft of torque. By looking at the figure which show the maximum torque arrives at a rather high 4800rpm, you would have thought the Stream is completely torqueless. In fact, Stream has plenty of torque for all driving conditions. By the time it makes it across to Stateside, it would be more wisely to adapt TSX’s 2.4 i-VTEC given North American’s power thirst. On the other hand, Honda’s 7-speed CVT works nicely with the 2.0 engine. Even though it still lacks the well-honed refinement and efficiency of class-leading Audi Multitronic, it has done its job relatively well.

Handling: Honda engineers have done a marvelous job of balancing the ride quality of a crossover, without sacificing the handling dynamics ppl have come to expect from this brand. Stream has taken crossover’s dynamic quality into another level. Yes, the steering feels a bit vague on-center and turn-in is not as crisp as one expects from Honda. If Honda engineers are able to solve this issue, Stream’s dynamic quality would be astounishing. The precision and feedback are more than acceptable with Stream’s electric power steering. In terms of ride quality, it rides a bit firmer than other similar mini-minivans. Namely the 2 currently available in North American market, Mazda5 and Kia Rondo. Its compliant enough on smooth pavement and supple enough when pushed hard. Unfortunately, given the roughness of roads which are called Canadian roads. Honda might need to redial its rebound damping, or consumers would find it a bit too harsh. The body rolls are surprisingly minimal for a crossover. There are safe understeer when pushed hard into corners. Thanks to the sensibly sized 205 55 R17 tires and well-balanced suspension, the whole vehicle grips then hangs on itself really well during cornering.

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS have provided a decent job. The pedal feel is well-modulated and balanced. As well as the stopping distance is short and controlled.

Interior: Consider the amount of space in the 3rd row of seats, one better serve the Stream as a compact sportswagon than a full 7-seater mini-minivan. The extra set of seats should serve as a spare when need to haul kids to school for a short distance trip. When they are not in used, fold them down into the floor and use the extra cargo space.

Both the 1st and 2nd row of seats are superb. The sports cloth which covered the seats are of top-notch quality. Its texture does match Stream’s sporty character nicely. Everything else inside the Stream is very well laid-out as one expects from Honda. The dash materials are high-quality, yet sporty enough, to match its sporty flair. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The auto climate control has done a great job in humid Southeast Asia weather.

Conclusion: By the time Honda brings Stream to North America, as a Latitude, this puppy will upped-the-ante in the whole mini-minivan scene. It is a sports car, crossover, sportswagon and minivan all-in-one. Honda might need to seriously consider dropping their wonderful 2.4 i-VTEC into Stream’s bonnett. 200 ponies with sport-tuned suspension wrapped in a crossover bodyshell, it will leave competitions in the dust.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 HONDA STREAM
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5